Greetings in the name of the most high FATHER YHWH to one and all. Hope things are good or getting better for you. I would like to explain my current predicament in the hopes of being enlightened. I am a student of the automotive field (gasoline engines) and also working as a part time mechanic. Recently i got my first real disappointment after a string of successes. It hurt, still hurts. I performed a decarbonization on the head of a 2000 2.4L dodge caravan.
Step1- Remove Head
Step2- With a metal bristle wheel mounted to a brush cleaned the four combustion chambers.
Step3- With a fine grade sandpaper (230) cleaned top of cylinder bores.
Step4- With an even finer sand paper (330) cleaned head and block mating surfaces.
Step5- Used paint thinner to remove any latent grease or other impurities.
Step6- Set the Felpro Multi Layer Steel Gasket on engine block
Step7- Laid the head on the block and gasket then tightened the original bolts as specified by manual.
Everything seemed to be working fine and i released the vehicle. To my utter dismay, a very short while after i was doing another task on the same van and i saw oil dripping from the base pan as i laid on my back. First thought was anything other than the head gasket. I proceeded to investigate the source of the leak. A dagger pierced through me. Under the exhaust manifold where the gasket joins the head and block oil had found its way out.
The proof is in the pudding and i was the pastry chef. I notified the owner of my incompetence and he agreed to let me try to correct my foolish mistake.
So here we are, thanks for sharing in my experience. What i would truly appreciate is a step by step critique of my procedure including all i did wrong. Followed by the correct step by step procedure that i should follow to correct my error. Please include as much detail as possible such as specific examples of cleaning agents, tools used in cleaning. Also in this type of engine during a routine decarbonization job should the head and/or block be resurfaced? If not do i need to resurface due to my malpractice? If resurfacing is the solution, is it to both head and block? IF so, will i need to use a gasket shim? if so are there shims available for this type of engine gasket. Should i change head bolts?
Thank you very much for your valuable time, energy and effort. I hope you have a very productive and cheerful workday and weekend.
Sincere Thanks
Student Mechanic Juni.
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